• Mon, February 3, 2025

by: Sky

Will school report cards help inform parents?

The new system will see each school given one of five grades - from "exemplary" to "causing concern" and a traffic light rating of red, amber and green.

by: MARCA

Elon Musk's reaction to senator's 'no one elected you' comment

by: scrippsnews

Marco Rubio says he is now acting director of USAID amid turmoil within agency

Marco Rubio says he is now acting director of USAID amid turmoil within the agency. The Trump administration appears intent on dismantling the agency.

by: Slate

I'm a Federal Worker. Elon Musk's Government Data Heist Is the Entire Ballgame.

Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

by: kfoxtv

Abbott vows pay raises for teachers and more property tax relief

"Abbott vows pay raises for teachers and more property tax relief" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that in

by: tvo

ANALYSIS: Cancelling Starlink was easy. Trump-proofing Ontario's electricity will be hard

Doug Ford wants to massively expand the province's capacity to generate nuclear power. But a made-in-Canada approach carries real risks.

by: Reuters

OPEC+ rolls over oil policy, ditches US government data

OPEC+ agreed to stick to its policy of gradually raising oil output from April on Monday and removed the U.S. government's Energy Information Administration from the sources used to monitor its production and adherence to supply pacts.

by: RealClearPolitics

Bannon: Trump's "Monroe Doctrine 2.0" Strategy Is More Than Tariffs, Economically And Strategically

"War Room" host Steve Bannon runs down what is happening in the world as the third week of the second Trump presidency begins: STEVE BANNON: Days of thunder continue on, and I think it's very important now for the War Room Posse because we do have a lot of work to do.

by: WFAE

Why does Musk want USAID 'to die'? And why did its website disappear?

by: WESA

Proposed ballot question seeks to ensure Pittsburgh's sewer and water system remains public

Activists and Pittsburgh City Council members aim to put a question on the May 20 ballot that could safeguard Pittsburgh's water and sewer system from privatization.

by: Yahoo

The Federal Trade Commission and chair Lina Khan are plagued by classic mismanagement

Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele said President Trump should "cut the crap" when it comes to accusations about his involvement in the firing of FBI officials and prosecutors involved in his criminal proceedings. "The reality of it is Trump said that, oh, I had no idea about these firings. I didn't request any…

by: devdiscourse

Trump Endorses Musk's Government Role

President Donald Trump stated that Elon Musk is operating with approval in efforts to shrink the U.S. government. Trump assured that Musk will be restricted from entering conflict zones, thereby maintaining a controlled approach to his engagements with the government.

by: CNN

Trump pauses Mexico and Canada tariffs while moving ahead with government changes

President Donald Trump announced extraordinary new tariffs over the weekend on Mexico, Canada and China, and the leaders of all three countries have since announced retaliatory measures. Follow for live updates.

by: Newsweek

Secretive FBI Group Probing UFOs Worried They'll Get Purged by DOGE: Report

A secretive group of FBI agents tasked with investigating UFOs is deeply concerned that they may be next in the DOGE purge, according to a new report.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: White House says Musk is 'special government employee'

One USAID contractor who is currently on official travel for a "high priority emergency response" told ABC News the move to dismantle the agency has "severely impacted" their ability to assist people in need and will have "lasting implications.

by: MSN

Trump says Musk 'can't do, won't do' anything without approval amid 'access' row

Donald Trump said Elon Musk reports to him and needs approval for decisions. This come as concerns mounted that DOGE team was given access to the federal government's payments system.

by: MSN

How qualified are Trump's cabinet picks?

How do President Donald Trump's picks to run federal agencies this term compare to previous presidents' choices? As the confirmation process continues, we wanted to look at the career paths taken by past secretaries of state,

by: CNN

Latest on Trump's presidency as he pauses Mexico tariffs and moves ahead with government changes

The fate of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) appears bleak after Elon Musk said Trump agreed the agency needs to be "shut down," following days of speculation over the future of the agency after its funding was frozen and dozens of its employees were put on leave.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump defends Elon Musk's recent DOGE moves

President Donald Trump has begun his second administration with a series of controversial moves and decisions.

by: Slate

Will the Supreme Court Force Taxpayers to Pay for Catholic Schooling?

The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed with the state of Oklahoma and blocked the opening of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, but recently, the U.S. Supreme Court St. Isidore is using the courts to further its own conservative Catholic agenda,

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term updates: Trump says USAID is run by 'radical lunatics'

President Donald Trump made good on his threats to impose tariffs on some of the U.S.'s trading partners, announcing Saturday that he will levy 25% tariffs on some goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods.

by: Slate

I'm a Federal Worker. People Don't Understand the Level of Heist Elon Musk Is Perpetrating.

On Friday night, reports emerged that Elon Musk's aides had tussled with Office of Personnel Management and Treasury staffers while demanding access to troves of information about federal employees. And on Sunday,

by: MSN

Trump pauses Mexico and Canada tariffs for one month in exchange for tighter border security: Live updates

Trump pauses Mexico and Canada tariffs for one month in exchange for tighter border security: Live updates - President Trump reached deal with Claudia Sheinbaum and Justin Trudeau to temporarily avert

by: MSN

US judge extends pause on Trump's plan to freeze federal grants, loans

A U.S. judge on Monday extended a pause on the Trump administration's plan to freeze federal loans, grants and other financial assistance, saying it appeared to have "run roughshod" over Congress's authority over government spending.

by: MSN

Oklahoma's DOGE-OK aims to streamline government, cut waste, and maintain flat budgets

Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the creation of the Divison of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK) for Oklahoma.Stitt issued an executive order adding DOGE-OK

by: MSN

OPM, following DOGE plans, sends federal workers 2nd email as AGs say not to accept

The Office of Personnel Management, carrying out Elon Musk's plan to trim the government, has sent federal workers a follow-up email about its deferred resignation offer.

by: MSN

FM Nafti and Libyan counterpart agree to lift restrictions hindering flow at border crossings

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti said that an agreement was reached with his Libyan counterpart Al-Taher Al-Baour, during a meeting held on Monday in Tunis,

by: MSN

World News Live Today February 4, 2025: Donald Trump to talk with President Xi Jinping after slapping 10% tariff on Chinese imports

Get real-time updates on international politics, economic changes, conflicts, and environmental issues. Access the latest breaking news and in-depth stories as they happen, keeping you informed of events shaping the world.

by: MSN

Elon Musk holds first X Spaces for his D.O.G.E, shares plan to terminate USAID and others

by: MSN

Why Musk's access to the Treasury payment system is so dangerous

Why Musk's access to the Treasury payment system is so dangerous - Critics sound the alarm after Musk and DOGE allies 'given access' to internal Treasury payment system

by: MSN

Trump Says Elon Musk 'Won't Do Anything Without Our Approval' Amid Concerns Over His Political Influence

President Donald Trump on Monday said Elon Musk "can't do and won't do" anything that does not receive his administration's approval. His comment came after the X and Tesla boss has been criticized for making sweeping cuts to the U.

by: MSN

Dozens of Education Department workers are put on leave over Trump's anti-DEI order

Dozens of employees at the U.S. Education Department were put on paid administrative leave in response to President Donald Trump's order banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government,

by: MSN

USAID tells employees to stay home hours after Elon Musk said it was going to be shut down

USAID sent a message on Monday morning telling employees based in DC to work remotely, without saying whether and when headquarters would reopen.

by: MSN

UK politics - live: Starmer responds to Trump tariff threats as US and EU markets tank over trade war fears

Starmer responds to Trump tariff threats as US and EU markets tank over trade war fears - US president warns of EU tariffs 'soon' as row risks overshadowing PM's key meeting with European leaders

by: MSN

Trump admin may ax more than 1,000 EPA workers hired under Biden's renewable energy push: report

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is eyeing downsizing by more than 1,000 employees, many of whom were hired by the Biden administration to work on climate change, air pollution and environmental regulation programs.

by: MSN

US News Live Today February 4, 2025: Trump signs executive order creating US sovereign wealth fund, here's what to know

Get real-time breaking news updates on the biggest event unfolding in the United States, including election, politics, economics, crime, viral and more.

by: MSN

Trump isn't closely monitoring Musk as he does the 'dirty work' for him

Trump isn't closely monitoring Musk as he does the 'dirty work' for him - Musk, the richest person in the world, has amassed wide-ranging authority without having a formal government role or congressi

by: MSN

EPA warns more than 1,100 employees could be fired 'immediately' amid Trump government cutbacks

EPA warns more than 1,100 employees could be fired 'immediately' amid Trump government cutbacks - Environmental Protection Agency workers seem to be the first to receive a notice that they could be di

by: MSN

France's government is fighting for survival over its 2025 budget. Here's what to know

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou used special executive powers Monday to get the country's 2025 budget approved without a vote by lawmakers, and now faces a no-confidence motion that threatens the survival of his 6-week-old government.

by: MSN

Musk On USAID,'Time For It To Die,' And Trump Agrees

With a budget of over $50 billion approved by Congress, USAID is an independent federal agency focusing on long-term socioeconomic development.

by: MSN

Trump says 'Starmer has been very nice' before warning UK 'out of line' on trade

The US president warned new tariffs and taxes could be on the cards for the UK which he views as being 'out of line' on trade, but one 'can be worked out'.

by: MSN

DR Congo: People in Goma face immense challenges in wake of fighting

In Goma, people are still suffering in the aftermath of the recent fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. A family recounts their traumatic experiences during - and after- the fighting.

by: MSN

How Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and others made it to Trump's Cabinet

How do President Donald Trump's picks to run federal agencies this term compare to previous presidents' choices? As the confirmation process continues, we wanted to look at the career paths taken by past secretaries of state,

by: MSN

Ford 'ripping up' Ontario's $100M contract with Elon Musk's Starlink system

Doug Ford says the Ontario government is 'ripping up' its $100-million contract with Elon Musk's Starlink to provide high-speed internet to northern and rural communities.

by: MSN

Hochul's spending plan takes another swing at government efficiency

A proposed state office focused on "innovation and efficiency" was a key point in Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to increase government accountability when she unveiled her State of the State policy book in early January.

by: MSN

What is USAID and why Trump and Elon Musk want to shut it down? Explained in 10 points

Elon Musk has said the US government is planning to shut down US Agency for International Development (USAID) — a decades' old organisation responsible for carrying out foreign aid programmes around the world.
  • Tue, February 4, 2025

by: MSN

Trump's first trade war begins as China tariffs come into effect and Beijing hits back: Live updates

Trump's first trade war begins as China tariffs come into effect and Beijing hits back: Live updates - President Trump's 10% tariffs on Chinese goods come into effect from 12.01am Tuesday after measur

by: MSN

Gov't employee unions sue Treasury to stop DOGE from accessing sensitive data

Three U.S. government employee unions filed a lawsuit Monday against the Treasury, alleging that its sharing of confidential information with the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency violated the law.

What is USAID and why Trump and Elon Musk want to shut it down? Explained in 10 points

Elon Musk has said the US government is planning to shut down US Agency for International Development (USAID) — a decades' old organisation responsible for carrying out foreign aid programmes around the world.
The article from MSN discusses the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent agency of the U.S. government that provides economic development and humanitarian aid worldwide. Here are the key points:

  • Purpose: USAID was established in 1961 to promote global stability, security, and prosperity by aiding economic growth, agriculture, trade, health, democracy, and conflict prevention.

  • Criticism from Trump and Musk: Former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have criticized USAID. Trump has accused it of being a tool for "globalists" and has suggested redirecting its funds to domestic issues like border security. Musk has echoed these sentiments, questioning the effectiveness and necessity of foreign aid.

  • Funding: USAID's budget is significant, with billions allocated annually for various programs. Critics argue this money could be better spent at home.

  • Impact: Despite criticism, USAID has been credited with numerous successes, including reducing global poverty, improving health outcomes, and supporting democratic institutions.

  • Political Motivation: The push to dismantle or reduce USAID's role is seen by some as politically motivated, aiming to appeal to voters who prioritize domestic spending over foreign aid.

  • Global Perception: The move to cut USAID could affect America's image as a global leader in humanitarian efforts, potentially impacting international relations.

  • Future: There's an ongoing debate about the future of USAID, with some advocating for its reform rather than abolition, focusing on efficiency and alignment with U.S. strategic interests.

    Read the Full MSN Article at:
    https://www.msn.com/en-in/politics/government/what-is-usaid-and-why-trump-and-elon-musk-want-to-shut-it-down-explained-in-10-points/ar-AA1ykI7u